Irvine Park, Regional park and heritage site in Orange, California
Irvine Park is a regional park and heritage site in Orange, California, bordered by groves of oak and sycamore trees with Santiago Creek flowing through its grounds. A central pond with a stone waterfall and multiple picnic areas form the main features of this wooded property.
The grounds were founded in 1897 and celebrated 125 years of public recreation in October 2022. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes its long history as a community gathering place.
The zoo within these grounds displays native plants and animals from the southwestern United States set among oak woodlands. Visitors encounter regional species in an environment that reflects how they live in nature.
The grounds provide four designated group picnic areas with names like Squirrel Square and Deer Den that can accommodate gatherings up to 350 people with built-in facilities. A small railway runs through the oak woodlands, and paddle boats allow visitors who wish to explore the water to navigate the central pond.
The park features a historic narrow-gauge railway that takes visitors through oak woodlands and past several natural lakes. This train ride offers a leisurely way to experience the forest landscape without undertaking long walks.
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